Increase students' knowledge of key concepts and skills in agricultural engineering technology.
Objective
Development Of Students' Knowledge And Skills
During their enrollment in the program students will be required to complete assignments that require students to demonstrate competency in key areas of Agricultural Engineering Technology (AET).
Indicator
Advanced AET Course Assignment Rubric
All students enrolled in the AET program must complete an Advanced Agricultural Engineering (AGE) course in their final year of enrollment. The course addresses key concepts and skills relevant to agricultural engineering technology. Each semester seven randomly selected student assignments from AGE will be reviewed by faculty members with expertise in the field of agricultural engineering technology. Faculty members will score the assignments using a scale of 1 - 5 with 3 "meets expectations," 4 "exceeds expectations," and 5 "far exceeds expectations."
Criterion
At Least 70% Rated As Meeting Expectations
At least 70% of the students enrolled in an advanced AET course will perform at an acceptable level with an assessed score of 3 (meets expectations) or higher.
Finding
Skill Assessment
Students in the AET course demonstrated achievement of skill sets required by faculty. Average score was 4.3; concerns were derived in the area of theoretical knowledge which was primarily focused around mathematical skills and calculations.
Action
AET Assessment
Faculty will increase mathematical equations in theoretical lectures and class activities. Laboratory skill demonstration and success was exceptional; however, application and accuracy of mathematical formulation will require more focus and emphasis.
Goal
Develop Professional Skills
Students earning a BS in Agricutural Engineering Technology will learn the skills necessary to compete in the professional marketplace.
Objective
Development Of Marketplace Skills
Students completing the BS in Agricultural Engineering Technology will demonstrate skills necessary to compete in the professional marketplace.
Indicator
AGRI 4120 Assignment Rubric
All students seeking a degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology will be required to complete AGRI 4120 during their senior year. The course addresses essential skills necessary to compete in the market place for agriculture employment - resume preparation, interview skills, and employment opportunities. Faculty will review student assignments and access student performance on selected assignments using a faculty-developed rubric.
Criterion
70% Of Students Rated As Meeting Expectations
Faculty evaluations will indicate that at least 70% of the students enrolled in AGRI 4120 will perform at an acceptable level and score a 3 (meets expectations) or higher on a scale of 1-5. Emphasis of improvement will be grammar and organization - weakness in 2010.
Finding
Resume Evaluation
Organization and wordiness were critical areas of improvement for AET students when evaluating their resumes and letters of intent. Average score 2.9. AET is a small enrollment program and only 4 AET students were enrolled and their documents assessed. Due to low numbers faculty think this assessment is not a fair indicator for their students.
Action
Assessment
Low enrollment of AET students and one student with a poor outcome skewed the results. However, the faculty attest that professional preparedness is important and will emphasize grammar and concise thinking and writing in their curriculum.